At least 31 people killed in floods in north-west Pakistan

Peshawar: At least 31 people, including eight security officials, were on Sunday killed after torrential rain hit the south-west of Chitral district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, triggering flash floods in the area, officials said.

Around 30 houses were demolished in the rainstorm caused by continuous heavy rainfall in the area near the Pak-Afghan border.

At least 31 people, including eight security officials, were killed and 17 people were reportedly missing in Ursoon village while as many were injured due to flash flooding in the area. The flooding occurred due to the overflowing of the Chitral river, DPO Chitral Asif Iqbal was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune.

A file photo of floods in Pakistan earlier this year. Reuters

The floods also washed away a mosque at the time when special Ramzan prayers were being held inside, he added.

Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan shared his condolences to the victims families and have asked the government to take urgent steps to trace the missing people.

PTI is the ruling party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) was in constant contact with the district administration for rescue and relief efforts, according to a statement released by the authority.

KP Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the losses caused by the flooding and directed the authorities concerned to speed up the rescue and relief efforts in the affected area.

He also directed the administration to take all precautionary measures to save the lives and properties of the people.